A new biopolymer-based polycaprolactone/starch modified clay nanocomposite

Biopolymer nanocomposite was successfully prepared by the melt blending method. Fatty hydroxamic acid (FHA), synthesized from triacylglycerides of vegetable oil, has been used as an organic compound to modify natural clay, sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) for production of polycaprolactone/corn starch (PCL/CS) nanocomposite. The product was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). An improvement in compatibility was obtained with 2% modified clay (OMMT). Moreover, an increase in the tensile strength of the blend and elongation at break was observed. The nanocomposite shows higher biodegradability and thermal stability in comparison with those of the PCL/CS blend.